When to plant basil in Edinburgh
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Edinburgh's last spring frost of Apr 18.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Apr 5 – Apr 26
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Jul 27 – Aug 17
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Sep 25 – Oct 25
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Edinburgh's 201-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Edinburgh's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
FROST
FROST
APR 18
OCT 30
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Edinburgh?
Direct-sow around late July (Jul 27–Aug 17) in Edinburgh, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Edinburgh?
Expect to harvest from around late September (Sep 25–Oct 25) in Edinburgh, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Edinburgh?
Start seeds indoors around early April (Apr 5–Apr 26) in Edinburgh, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Edinburgh?
Transplant outdoors around late July (Jul 27–Aug 17) in Edinburgh, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.
How long is the growing season in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has roughly 201 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow basil to maturity outdoors.
The rule of thumb
Sow basil 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost; plant out 2–3 weeks after it. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Edinburgh's frost dates.
Confidence 89/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.